The crowd member accused of racially vilifying Carlton defender Vaomua Laloifi in their AFLW clash with Essendon faces a lifetime ban.
Carlton said in a statement the incident occurred during the third quarter of Saturday's game at Windy Hill, "where it is understood targeted comments were made directly at Laloifi from a currently unidentified individual in the crowd".
When the 30-year-old player raised the issue, the Blues immediately contacted the AFL Integrity Unit (AFLIU) representative at the ground.
The AFLIU and Essendon have committed to identifying the perpetrator, with a lifetime ban awaiting the fan.
"The AFL wants to make it clear that there is no place for racism in our game and those who are found to be responsible for vilification at our matches will receive a lifetime ban and are no longer welcome at the footy," the league said in a statement.
"Since the beginning of the 2023 season the AFL has acted on this and issued 17 lifetime bans for fans who have been found guilty of racial vilification."
Fans can request a formal review of the ban after five years.
Essendon apologised to Laloifi and Carlton and committed to act.
"Essendon Football Club has been made aware of an incident involving a supporter who racially vilified Carlton AFLW player Vaomua Laloifi during Saturday’s game at Windy Hill," the Bombers said in a statement.
"The club strongly condemns this behaviour.
"Vilification, racial or otherwise, has absolutely no place in our society.
"We must continue to use our platform as a club to call out this behaviour and make a stand against this hateful and hurtful act.
"The matter has been referred to the AFL’s Integrity Unit. The club will now work to identify the individual with the view to educate and, where possible, apply the appropriate punishments.
"Essendon Football Club sincerely apologises to Laloifi and the Carlton Football Club for this abhorrent behaviour."
Carlton said Laloifi, who was born in Samoa and raised in New Zealand, had "understandably been deeply hurt by the comments".
“We are shattered as a club that a person we deeply care for in Mua, who brings so much joy and love to so many people, would be subjected to such disgusting behaviour,” chief executive Brian Cook said.
“Such behaviour is not welcome at any level of society, let alone at the football.
"Coming to the football should be a safe and enjoyable place for all, it is not a place for such ignorant and bigoted language.
“Our focus and our energy continues to be on doing everything we possibly can to support Mua during this time, who has been put in a position that no person deserves to experience."
